Interactive Healing Space (2012)

Definition: Interactive Healing Spaces are mixed-reality environments which augment, and assist with, traditional massage modalities.

Interactive Healing Spaces integrate therapeutic bodywork (deep tissue, sports massage, Swedish, Tui-Na, acupressure) with interactive technology (computer vision, augmented reality, volumetric sensors, video projections, video goggles). Using a depth-sensing camera, the system translates body shapes, positions, movements, and gestures into visualizations. During a massage session, these visuals are projected into both real space and augmented reality on and around the massage table. Two sets of video goggles provide the client and the therapist with a real-time out-of-body perspective of this mixed-reality environment.

REASON: In the massage community, ancient modalities are often respected the most. But I believe that healers of every generation are presented with new ideas that can extend or supplement established methods. Interactive technology and augmented reality represent just a fraction of the novelty now available to alternative medicine practitioners. I chose these specific technologies because they offered themselves as ideal extensions to my own evolving practice in the healing arts.

Software Description:

1. AcuNetics: CyberNetic Acupressure. The treatment of acupressure points using self-guided, self-steering, semi-autonomous objects in augmented reality (AcuNetic_AR) and in immersive video environments (AcuNetic_Projections). See note*.

2. Acu2D: Virtual Pressure Objects.
   2-D objects projected directly onto the client

3. AcuAR: Augmented Reality Acupressure

4. Massage Table Matrix:
   A Conway Game of Life existing on the massage table. Goal: propagating waves and interference patterns affected by client’s body on the table.

5. Depth Informed Flow Field:
   A particle system whose behavior is informed by depth and movement on and around the massage table

6. Proprioception Enhancement Tools (PET):
   This app combines the scene’s RGB information with its point cloud information. The Processing version proved to be too slow. An OpenFrameworks version

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